Weighing a combined weight of two bags of sugar at birth, miracle triplets Poppie, Mollie and Evelyn Park faced a fight for their lives.

Born at 26 weeks, the sisters spent 111 days in hospital as their parents Steven and Rachel were “told to prepare for the worst”.

Issues over their prematurity meant the Bransty couple were scared their girls wouldn’t make it this far.

But now the triplets have made great strides and the parents can’t wait to spend Christmas at home with their three special gifts.

“They each took a turn at being quite poorly,” said mum Rachel. “It was touch and go with all three at some point but they’re all out of hospital and fine now.

“We were told to prepare for the worst. They’ve had quite a tough journey but they’re growing now and doing well. We’re looking forward to Christmas – there are toys everywhere!”

Born on March 11, the triplets spent over three months in Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary.

Throughout the babies’ treatment at the infirmary, Steven, 37, and Rachel, 39, were supported by The Sick Children’s Trust, which provided free ‘home from home’ accommodation at its Crawford House site.

Rachel said: “Crawford House meant we were only a phone call away, and could be there in five minutes if they were poorly – which happened a few times.

“The Sick Children’s Trust has been an absolute lifeline on more than one occasion; without Crawford House we would have had the financial burden of hotel stays, or over a two-hour journey home to Whitehaven each day.”

After leaving Newcastle, the girls were admitted to West Cumberland Hospital as they still had feeding issues. But now Poppie, who weighed 1.9lb, Mollie, who weighed 1.75lb, and Evelyn, who weighed 1.6lb, are home and weighing “roughly 14 pounds each”.

Steven said: “When we look back on how poorly the girls were and where they are now – they’ve come so far and we’re just full of pride.

“They do have blips, but nothing life-threatening and they’re heading in the right direction.

“They’re happy, smiling and starting to show their emotions and exploring everything the world’s got to offer.

“Our girls have been on a huge journey so far and because of that we’re going to make sure their first Christmas will be extra special. We were so scared that they may not make it this far, and will therefore be really celebrating the festive season.”